UK’s £21m to save disaster-zone women

Britain today pledged £21.6 million to help save females in disaster zones from rape and violence.

The money will fund medical kits and improved security — and also prevent destitute women turning to prostitution or “survival sex” during disasters.

It was promised as ministers hosted world aid agencies in London to highlight how girls as young as nine suffer exploitation across the globe.

Those attending included ex-Foreign Secretary David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, who said women must not be an “afterthought” of humanitarian relief.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening warned that females in the Philippines are at huge risk amid the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.

She told the Standard: “We know violence against women and girls during humanitarian emergencies is a major issue.” She pointed to war-torn Syria or earthquake-hit Haiti as examples.

Today’s meeting will see governments and agencies set out how to be better prepared to help women in disaster or war zones. Ms Greening said simple things such as providing safe areas and health kits make a big difference.

Mr Miliband said women were often exploited in shelters meant to protect them, adding: “Today is not just a call to action but also a call to accountability, to seek a guarantee from governments and UN agencies they will no longer treat this issue as an after-thought.”

The EU, Switzerland, Japan and the US also made funding commitments totalling £19.7 million at the meeting.